Piero Fornasetti Opaque White Glass Jars and Covers made for Fiat - Set of 6

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From Auto to Atelier: Fornasetti’s Whimsical Fiat Truck Canister Set

This charming and rare Set of Six Opaque White Glass … Read more From Auto to Atelier: Fornasetti’s Whimsical Fiat Truck Canister Set

This charming and rare Set of Six Opaque White Glass Jars and Covers is a collaborative design piece by the celebrated Italian artist Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988), produced circa 1960. These jars were commissioned by the Fiat Motor Company as promotional items, likely to commemorate a company anniversary.

In a characteristic blend of high-art graphics and everyday functionality, Fornasetti utilized his distinctive engraving-style transfer-print motif. Each jar features a different Fiat truck or autocarro (including models like the Fiat 683 N or Fiat 690 T2), depicted in vibrant, polychrome colors and fully loaded with goods.

Crucially, each truck is labeled with its cargo, which dictates the intended contents of the jar: ZUCCHERO (Sugar), SALE (Salt), CAFFÈ (Coffee), FARINA (Flour), TÈ (Tea), and RISO (Rice). The graphic whimsy and playful repetition of industrial themes make this set a delightful and unique example of Mid-Century Modern Italian design.

Dimensions: Approximately 6 inches high x 4 inches diameter (15.24 cm high x 10.16 cm diameter).

Historical Context:

Piero Fornasetti was one of the most imaginative and prolific designers of the 20th century, known for decorating commonplace objects with surreal, often Neoclassical, imagery. This set exemplifies his unique application of art to industrial design.

The commission from Fiat in the 1960s links Fornasetti's artistic atelier to Italy’s booming post-war industrial landscape. By depicting specific, then-current Fiat truck models carrying basic domestic commodities (Flour, Salt, Coffee, etc.), the design subtly celebrated the vital role of Fiat vehicles in distributing goods across Italy, connecting the industrial brand directly to the heart of the Italian home. The enduring appeal of this set lies in this witty convergence of art, industry, and domesticity.

References:

Fornasetti, Barnaba. Fornasetti: The Complete Universe. Rizzoli, 2010. (The comprehensive monograph on Piero Fornasetti’s work, which includes various promotional and limited-edition pieces.)

Design History Context: The set is a recognized piece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design, illustrating the era's fusion of high-quality graphics and everyday objects.

(Ref: NY8787-pkr) See less